ITANAGAR (Arunachal Pradesh), 16 November 2020: The role of media in creating and shaping public opinion and responsibility of media persons as watchdogs of society were highlighted during the National Press Day celebration here on Monday.

The celebration here along with rest of country was organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist (APUWJ), Arunachal Press Club (APC), Arunachal Electronic and Digital Media Association (AEDMA) and Directorate of Information and Public Relations.

Addressing a gathering of journalists from across the State, APUWJ President and Secretary Indian Journalists Union (IJU), Amar Sangno called upon his media comrades to reaffirm themselves to preserve, protect and defend freedom of press and uphold the highest standards of journalism. He said as the world at present is battling the Covid-19 pandemic, the road ahead would be tough for the journalists.

“We all have seen and experienced one of the darkest chapters of human history in the millennium. I salute those comrades who have been reporting fearlessly, risking their lives and of their loved ones during the Covid-19 lockdown alongside other frontline workers to disseminate, correct, unbiased and credible information to the masses,” he said.

Sangno also raised concerns over mushrooming of digital and social media platforms. “Though the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the largest working journalist’s organisation in the world, advocates the growth of independent digital media to make democracy vibrant and strong, the mushrooming of digital and social media platforms is a threat to principle and ethical media houses,” he said. These media organisations, he added are neither obligatory to fundamental principles of journalism nor do these follow basic journalistic ethics, thus jeopardising the noble profession.

On behalf of the State’s media fraternity he also expressed his gratitude to the Pema Khandu-led government for its constant support and cooperation, thus, enabling healthy growth of the state media. “We acknowledge Chief Minister Khandu for creating a media-friendly atmosphere in his governance,” he said while adding that with the passing of the Arunachal Electronic Media Advertisement Policy 2020 by his government, the proprietors of digital and electronic media would ensure quality journalism in their respective media houses and also provide job and personal security to working journalists and other employees working in their organisations.

Sangno also called upon the State government to come up with a special journalist’s protection Act, to ensure the safety of working journalists in the State. He further called upon the authorities concerned to “end impunity for crime against journalists across the state and country”. Several other plights of the State’s scribes in regards to their remuneration, job security etc were also highlighted by him.

As one of the resource persons of the workshop themed ‘Words, visuals and its impact on journalistic content’ that followed, Rajiv Gandhi University’s Head of Mass Communication Dept., Moji Riba called upon the media persons to be earnest. Speaking on the topic “So why am I in the Media?” Riba said the challenges and responsibilities of journalists have grown bigger in today’s world and they need to introspect their purpose of being in the field of journalism and the values they hold for themselves and the profession.

“You are responsible for your work as documenting and reporting stories is ‘bearing honorable witness to history’. So journalists must ensure they build the relationship of trust with their audience by providing factual information,” Riba said. What a journalist writes and shows, shapes the audience vision therefore there are consequences for the same, he said adding “We are accountable for our work so we must also be ready to face disapprovals and questions.” He lauded journalists and media houses for the role they played during the Covid-19 pandemic. “At a time when the entire world was at a standstill, our media didn’t shutdown. Putting their own lives at risk the media persons have played an important role in educating people and helped mitigate the impact of the pandemic. This is the power of what to do and what we want to do,” Riba said.

The Arunachal Times Deputy Editor Tongam Rina said ‘laying out the facts’ should be more important for a journalist while telling their stories. Speaking on the topic ‘Contextualising facts in the news’, she said “fact is always out there for one who finds it and all one needs to do is make an effort.” Additionally, “A journalist should better chase facts than work on meeting deadlines,” she said while calling upon the media persons to stay away from giving opinions on their reports.

Speaking on “Blurring the lines between journalism and content creation” senior journalist Mukul Pathak called upon his juniors to always follow the paths of truth and accuracy, humility and accountability and be fair and impartial in what they write and show.

“You are accountable for your work so you should be able to take responsibility if there are discrepancies. Also be open to feedback and criticisms,” he said. There is a thin line between journalism and content creation as there are certain guidelines to be followed in the former, he added while urged upon his media comrades to stay away from being activists.

On ‘Challenges of Government Media’, IPR Deputy Director Dehang Bosai spoke of issues the district IPR officers (DIPROs) face while carrying out their duties due to connectivity issues. He, however, thanked the State’s media persons for their coordination and support in disseminating information on several development aspects of the government. “We can coordinate and work together as we are in the same boat,” he said.

Earlier the event saw Additional Public Relations Officer to Chief Minister Rup Jyoti Pater read out a self-composed eulogy on veteran journalist late Taro Chatung who passed away a year ago. This was followed by the screening of a documentary film on late Chatung’s life and a two-minute silence to remember the departed soul.

APC President Dodum Yangfo welcomed the guests and AEDMA President Migom Toko extended the vote of thanks. Among others, Secretary (Transport) Dani Sulu, PRO to Speaker Sanjay Mossing, Taro Alie Pradhan, wife of Late Chatung, and DIPROs (Itanagar Capital Region and headquarters) and officials of the IPR department joined the media fraternity on the day. All Covid-19 related protocols were followed during the celebrations.